Today, St. John continues to reveal his vision about how we should understand the intent of the Word of God through our faith. The metaphor of swallowing the small scroll applies to the necessity of believing and accepting God’s Word which benefits the transformation of our whole being. It may cause pain, but it is our need of catharsis in order to learn and grow better.
Being receptive to God’s word means our life-nourishment needed to survive and to change inside and outside for better resistance to walk towards God.
In the gospel reading, Jesus drives out the money changers and others making the temple a marketplace with no respect for the very center of worship, the house of God. I imagine Jesus was angry for desecration of the temple.
Today is the memorial feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Apostles. A little bit of history helps. This is not the feast of the building per se, but we remember what it represents, which is the “Church,” the Body of Christ. Today we pray for all of us, the Church.
Emperor Constantine in 330 built a basilica of St.Peter. Reconstruction began in the 13th century, and it was consecrated on November 18, 1626, by Pope Urban VIII. What is more significant of the construction of the basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul is that it was constructed over the tomb of St. Peter. To those denominations who are claiming to be the true church, my question is this, “If the Apostles are members of the Church to which you belong, where do you think their sacred relics are?” The basilica was finally reconsecrated by Pope Leo IX on December 10, 1854.
How many times have I heard Jesus having to deal with human emotion. He is both perfectly divine and human. Let us remember that God is “slow to anger and quick to forgive.” Our God is loving, gentle, forgiving and is there to comfort us, and yet I am reminded to be humble and respect the edifice made for the divine worship. Though possible expressed frustrations, we must also be accountable for how we truly respect churches, basilicas and chapels. May our actions and words be pleasing to God.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
